Ten Cadets Receive Certifications in Ceremony
Ten future firefighters received their certifications and other honors during Friday’s ceremony recognizing the Angelina College Fire Academy’s Class 2025-64 graduates.
In the ceremony held inside AC’s Hudgins Hall, Cadet James Moore of Timpson, Texas, earned both Valedictorian and Most Outstanding Cadet honors, while Chief Debra Knight, State Fire Marshall, offered the keynote address.
“I’ve had the opportunity to see each of these young men grow and mature throughout the course of this academy,” Chief Jason Pope, Coordinator of the AC Fire Academy, said. “To say I’m proud of them is an understatement.
“It’s our mission to produce the best possible firefighters and continue to honor the traditions and professionalism associated with the fire service. With this group, I believe we’ve accomplished just that.”
Knight, a retired colonel who served as a combat medic in the U.S. Army before her appointment as State Fire Marshall, lauded the cadets on their achievements.
“First, congratulations, because completing this program is no small feat,” Knight said. “It takes grit, perseverance, discipline and an unwavering commitment to serve others. You should be proud of what you’ve accomplished, and your families should feel proud of you as well.
“True strength doesn’t come knowing everything. It comes from humility, discipline and teamwork.”
Knight shared her experiences while reminding the new fire fighters to prepare for the unexpected; she spoke of the time her Army unit was called back to duty on the day they were supposed to return home.
“What I remember most isn’t the disappointment,” Knight said, “even though to this day I still feel that sinking feeling in my stomach, but mostly I remember how our team came together for each other.
“That’s what great teams do. They bend, but they don’t break. Emergencies will come when you least expect them, and emergencies don’t wait for convenience. There’ll be times when you think you’re done, but your training and discipline will carry you through.”
Moore, also a veteran, spoke of finding a “new purpose” over the course of the grueling 16-week academy.
“I don’t think I could have done this without my new brothers,” Moore said. “In this time, we’ve made lifelong memories and friends, and I look forward to working with you guys and getting after it.”
Graduating fire cadets, along with their hometowns of record, were as follows:
Carson W. Basham, Pollok, TX; Brandon M. Bostick, Huntington, TX; Cameron B. Buettner, Nacogdoches, TX; Jack T. Christensen, Nacogdoches, TX; Damian Diaz, Lufkin, TX; Kolton K. Karns, Douglass, TX; James M. Moore, Timpson, TX; Alex Padilla, Nacogdoches, TX; Riley L. Vanscoder, Nacogdoches, TX; and Chris A. Vasquez, Lufkin, TX.
Instructors and staff for Class 25-63: Jason Pope, Chief Training Officer, Angelina College Fire Academy; Battalion Chief Shawn Dillon, Assistant Coordinator, Angelina College Fire Academy/Nacogdoches Fire Department; Adam Inman, Porter FD; Justin Guynes, Houston Fire Department; Jason Stuck, Lufkin Fire Department; Anthony Holcombe, Lufkin Fire Department; Mason King, Nacogdoches Fire Department; Kim Capps, Public Safety Specialist; and Ashley Jowell, Angelina College Police Department/Director of Public Safety Training Fire/Law Enforcement.
For further information regarding Angelina College’s Fire Academy, contact Jason Pope at jpope@angelina.edu.
